Is ESET better than Avast?

ESET ranks higher in our list of antivirus software (#4 against #5, score 85.5 against 82.5). Avast is best for: free protection on PC and Mac with an upgrade path. ESET is best for: subscription antivirus for Windows and Mac.

Which is cheaper, Avast or ESET?

Avast: Free Antivirus for PC; Premium Security and bundles are paid. ESET: Subscriptions with a 30-day free trial.

Do Avast and ESET run on the same platforms?

Avast supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS. ESET supports Windows, macOS, Android, Linux.

Avast vs ESET: Which Is Better? (2026)

82.5
Editorial score
85.5
4
Platforms
4
Yes
Free to use
No
No
Open source
No

Which should you choose?

Choose Avast if you want

Free protection on PC and Mac with an upgrade path.

Its free tier covers PC, Mac and mobile, which Avira's free download does not, and the paid tiers add a VPN and identity tools. Norton and ESET offer no free antivirus after their trials.

Choose ESET if you want

Subscription antivirus for Windows and Mac.

Antivirus for Windows, macOS, Android and Linux with anti-phishing and Wi-Fi protection, sold as subscriptions after a 30-day trial. It has no free version after the trial and lists no iOS app.

The main differences

Only ESET runs on Linux.
Only Avast runs on iOS.
Avast can be used for free; ESET requires payment.

Side by side

	Avast	ESET
Score	82.5	85.5
Rank in list	#5 of 11	#4 of 11
Price	Free plan, paid upgradesFree Antivirus for PC; Premium Security and bundles are paid	SubscriptionSubscriptions with a 30-day free trial
Free to use	Yes	No
Open source	No	No
Platforms	WindowsmacOSAndroidiOSWindows, macOS, Android, iOS	WindowsmacOSAndroidLinuxWindows, macOS, Android, Linux
Made by	Not stated	Not stated
Free version	Yes	No
Extra tools	VPN and identity tools in paid tiers	Anti-phishing, Wi-Fi protection, VPN
Best for	Free protection on PC and Mac with an upgrade path	Subscription antivirus for Windows and Mac
Strengths	Free antivirus for PC and free security apps for Mac and mobile Paid tiers add a VPN and identity tools	Antivirus for Windows, macOS, Android and Linux Anti-phishing and Wi-Fi protection on home plans 30-day free trial without a credit card
Limits	Extras and the full feature set need a paid plan Feature lists differ by product, so compare the plan pages	No free version after the trial No iOS app is listed
Links	Visit site	Visit site

Questions about Avast vs ESET

Is ESET better than Avast?: ESET ranks higher in our list of antivirus software (#4 against #5, score 85.5 against 82.5). Avast is best for: free protection on PC and Mac with an upgrade path. ESET is best for: subscription antivirus for Windows and Mac.
Which is cheaper, Avast or ESET?: Avast: Free Antivirus for PC; Premium Security and bundles are paid. ESET: Subscriptions with a 30-day free trial.
Do Avast and ESET run on the same platforms?: Avast supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS. ESET supports Windows, macOS, Android, Linux.